Ocean Arks International, a US nonprofit organization founded by biologist John Todd, develops low-energy biological systems to clean up wastewater and restore water bodies without adding chemicals. They recently developed the Restorer bioremediation system - consisting of floating rafts of plants, microorganisms and animals combined with an aeration system - to treat water in canals, lakes, ponds or lagoons. Clients include George and Barbara Bush who have installed a Restorer system in a pond in their estate in Kennebunkport, Maine. Ocean Arks claims the technology is a suitable low-cost option for developing countries that have land available, because no major infrastructure is required. A pilot plant has been installed in a 600 metre section of a canal in Baima [pop. 800,000], southern China, to treat human waste generated by about 12,000 people.

Contact: Michael Shaw, Executive Director, Ocean Arks International, info@oceanarks.org, http://oceanarks.org/

Source: Wired News, 3 Jan 2003

Ocean Arks International - Restorer Technology, http://oceanarks.org/restorer/

Tags: sanitation